A grant contract has been signed between the Embassy of Japan in the Maldives and the Maldives Red Crescent (MRC) to support elderly transportation services in Malé City.
The agreement for “The Project for the Provision of Elderly Support Transportation Vehicle in Malé City” was signed under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) by the Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, Ishigami Rumiko, and MRC Secretary General Ahmed Shabin.
Through this initiative, the Government of Japan will provide USD 65,784 to procure a specially equipped vehicle designed to transport elderly individuals, including those with mobility challenges.
With the elderly population in the Maldives steadily increasing, access to healthcare has become a growing concern. Many senior citizens face difficulties traveling to hospitals and clinics due to limited and unsuitable transport options. The new vehicle is expected to improve safe and timely access to medical services, ease mobility challenges, and reduce pressure on emergency transport services.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Ishigami highlighted that the vehicle would significantly ease travel for elderly citizens and strengthen community-level healthcare access.
Ahmed Shabin noted that the project would enhance MRC’s patient transport services, improve emergency response efforts, and support greater social participation among elderly individuals by providing safer and more reliable transportation.
The GGP forms part of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) to the Maldives and has supported community-based projects since 1996 across sectors including health, education, environment, transportation, and energy, contributing to the country’s sustainable development.
